| Abstract: | Abstract Objective: A systematic review was performed of clinical research on the efficacy of the anodyne therapy system (ATS) for treating patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Method: MedLine, CINAHL, Cochrane Databases, and Physical Therapy, the Journal of the American Physical Therapy Association web sites were searched in the 1986–2006 time period. Results: Ten studies were identified. All studies evaluated patients who were on average >60 years of age; few identified disease duration or whether its onset was genetic or acquired. Two prospective, randomised, placebo-controlled studies were identified with one supporting its use. Results indicate efficacy for improving lower extremity sensation, balance, gait and decreasing fall risk, particularly if subjects have a relatively recent diabetic peripheral neuropathy onset (short duration). Conclusion: Poor study designs, small sample sizes, limited information regarding treatment volume or intensity, concomitant use of conventional physical therapy modalities, and a lack of long-term follow-up decrease the validity of most studies. Well-designed, prospective, randomised, controlled trials with larger subject numbers are needed to determine true treatment effectiveness. |
